Peace On EarthFilm Festival…raising awareness of peace, nonviolence, social justice and an eco-balanced world

March 8th - 10th2019

Mato Oput (Justice & Reconciliation) (Uganda, 22 min)

Directed by Tim Guthrie

“Mato Oput” explores the efforts of the Catholic Church in Northern Uganda to build justice, peace and reconciliation after a civil war that lasted more than 20 years. Tens of thousands died, more than 60,000 children were kidnapped and about 1.5 million people were forced from their homes. A priest from a small rural parish that became the site of a sprawling internally displaced person camp, a priest working for social justice, a bishop who tried to negotiate with the rebels to bring peace and a Jesuit priest who is building a foundation for the future tell of the horror of war and the challenge of reconciliation and forgiveness. Mama Angelina Atyam, whose daughter was kidnapped by the rebels, became a tireless advocate for the children and for forgiveness. She describes that time and exhorts us all to rise up and work for peace.